A Dublin-based doctor stands accused of inappropriately prescribing powerful drugs meant for depression and anxiety — a case that’s raising serious questions about oversight in medical practice. But here’s where things get complicated: the inquiry suggests that what might have seemed like routine prescriptions could, in fact, have crossed professional boundaries.
At a recent fitness-to-practise hearing by the Medical Council, it was alleged that Dr. Albina Maksimiuk issued inappropriate prescriptions for medications used to treat depression, anxiety, and seizure disorders. The claims relate to her time working as a general practitioner at two Dublin clinics — the North Clinic and the Polish Dental Clinic, both located on the North Circular Road.
Five formal allegations centre on her prescribing of benzodiazepines, Pregabalin, and so-called Z-drugs — medication classes that carry not only therapeutic benefits but also a significant potential for abuse. According to counsel Neasa Bird, representing the Medical Council’s chief executive Dr. Maria O’Kane, these drugs must be handled with particular care due to their addictive properties.
To give context: benzodiazepines are commonly used for treating anxiety and depression; Pregabalin acts as an anticonvulsant prescribed for epilepsy, neuropathic pain, or generalized anxiety disorder; and Z-drugs such as Zolpidem and Zopiclone are typically used to manage insomnia. While these medications can improve quality of life when prescribed correctly, their misuse poses serious health risks — a point the hearing repeatedly emphasized.
The inquiry revealed that ten separate prescriptions were allegedly written by Dr. Maksimiuk over several months in 2019. Testimony indicated that the Lithuanian-born doctor primarily worked as a paediatrician at the North Clinic but occasionally saw adult patients as a general practitioner. She also provided locum GP services in other practices, often catering to Lithuanian- and Russian-speaking patients, as she is fluent in both languages as well as Russian.
One prescription, reportedly issued while Dr. Maksimiuk was working as a locum at the Polish Dental Clinic, became a focal point of concern. The Medical Council’s investigation began after Hanover Quay Pharmacy emailed the regulatory body in August 2019, flagging the document as a suspiciously poor photocopy that appeared forged and included an unusually large quantity of Pregabalin.
In her written response, Dr. Maksimiuk apologised, explaining that the low-quality prescription was handwritten because she had no access to a printer at the time and was on holiday, unable to review her messages. Nevertheless, the inquiry heard further allegations that she failed to keep comprehensive patient records, particularly neglecting to document key information about patients’ alcohol or drug use. Another patient reportedly was not referred to psychiatry for evaluation of an anxiety disorder, and gaps were found in the record of that patient’s personal and professional background.
Adding a human dimension to the proceedings, the doctor attended the hearing using walking sticks and with the aid of a translator. The council heard she had relocated to Ireland roughly a decade ago and built her practice serving Eastern European communities in Dublin.
Due to concerns about her prescribing practices, the High Court previously imposed strict conditions on her medical work. She was required to restrict her professional activity exclusively to paediatrics and refrain entirely from prescribing benzodiazepines, Pregabalin, or Z-drugs to any patient, regardless of age — conditions that remain active to this day.
And this is where it gets controversial: should a doctor’s mistake — even one involving controlled medications — permanently limit their medical career? Some argue that protecting patients must always come first; others believe the system should give doctors room to rehabilitate rather than stigmatize. What do you think — is this a fair balance of accountability and compassion, or an overly harsh penalty for human error?
The Medical Council’s inquiry remains ongoing, and the final decision may set a strong precedent for how Ireland handles similar cases in the future.
